Method and an apparatus for positioning a wire rope in a socket



- l. EPSTEIN Mach 1910 METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING AWIRE ROPE .IN A SOCKET Filed Feb. 27. 1967 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 mmvrozz. [Pr/n li BY Arron/5y 3,498,340 mmuon Am) AN APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING A WIRE more IN A socxn'r Filed Feb. 27. 1967 V l. EPSTEIN March 3; 1970 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VENTOR. fry/ i/Sfi'ln BY 7w ferr P13" ATTORNEY EPSTEIN March 3, 1970 METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING A WIRE ROPE IN A SOCKET s Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 27. 1967 IN V EN TOR. Irv/0 7 {2:12-01 7'' fares! HTTOZNEV United States Patent 3,498,340 METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR POSITION- ING A WIRE ROPE IN A SOCKET Irving Epstein, 4605 S. Andover, Seattle, Wash. 98118 Filed Feb. 27, 1967, Ser. No. 618,711 Int. Cl. B21f 15/02 US. Cl. 140-113 12 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for rapidly positioning the broom of a wire rope in a socket so as to be able to secure the rope in the socket even when exerting considerable pull upon the wire rope to pull it out of the socket.

I have worked in shops and plants where wire rope is positioned and secured in a socket. In all of these shops and plants the only way I have seen the wire rope positioned in the socket is by the use of manual labor. To position a Wire rope in a socket there is required the services of at least two people. This is especially so in regard to the larger sizes of wire rope such as one (1") inch in diameter, one and one-half (l /2") inches in diameter, two (2") inches in diameter and even larger. With the larger sizes of wire rope there is required considerable work, exertion and time on the part of two men in trying to drive the broom of the wire rope into the socket. This can be readily appreciated in regard to a two (2") inch wire rope. The end of the wire rope is made into a broom which may have an effective diameter of approximately three (3") inches or larger. The opening in the socket is two and one-quarter (2%) inches in diameter. From this it is seen that a broom having a diameter of approximately three (3") inches is being driven into an opening in a socket of approximately two and one-quarter (2%") inches. To reduce the crosssectional area of the broom to a size to be driven into the opening in the socket requires considerable strength on the part of one man, and to drive the broom into the opening in th esocket requires considerable strength on the part of the other man. Further, it is very timeconsuming to position the wire rope in the opening in the socket. To repeat, prior to my invention, this is the only way I know that the broom of a wire rope is positioned in a socket. Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for positioning the broom of a wire rope in a socket and which method and apparatus includes less possibility of damaging the broom and the wire rope; to provide a method and an apparatus requiring less labor than existing methods and apparatus to position the broom of the wire rope in the socket; to provide a method and an apparatus requiring less time than existing methods and apparatus to position the broom of a wire rope in a socket; to provide a method and an apparatus which makes it easier to position the broom of a wire rope in a socket; to provide a method and an apparatus which is less tiring than existing methods and apparatus for positioning the broom of a wire rope in a socket and therefore means that a worker will produce more in a given time period; to provide a method and an apparatus which increases the output of a Worker in positioning the broom of a wire rope in a socket; and, to provide a method and an apparatus which is less costly and saves more money than presently realized from existing methods for positioning the broom of a wire rope in a socket.

These and other important objects and advantages of the invention will be more particularly brought forth ice upon reference to the appended drawings, the detailed specification of the invention and the attached claims.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view looking down on a specific embodiment of theinvention constructed in accordance with the preferred teaching thereof and illustrates the components thereof in an operative relationship;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view looking down on the two sections of the die which is used to compress the broom of the wire rope so that the broom can be moved into the opening in the socket;

FIGURE 3, taken on line 33 of FIGURE 2, is a vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view of the two sections of the die and assists in illustrating the manner in which these two sections fit together;

FIGURE 4, taken on line 4-4 of FIGURE 1, is a fragmentary vertical lateral view of the two sections of the die and illustrates how these two sections fit together;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view looking down on the apparatus and illustrates a wire rope being positioned by the apparatus with the broom of the wire rope between the two sections of the die and with the two sections of the die forced closely together to reduce the effective cross-sectional area of said broom;

FIGURE 6 is a view looking at the clamping means for positioning the wire rope and which shows the clamping means and the configuration to accommodate a large diameter wire rope;

FIGURE 7 is a view looking at the clamping means for positioning the wire rope and illustrates the clamping means in a configuration for positioning a wire rope of small diameter;

FIGURE 8 is a side view of a wire rope with a circumferential wire keeper a few inches from the end of the wire rope;

FIGURE 9 is a side view of the wire rope with the individual wires of the wire rope separated so as to form a broom and as is seen the end of the broom has a much larger diameter than the diameter of the wire rope;

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary side view illustrating the two sections of the die bearing against the inner end of the broom of the wire rope and slightly outside the circumferential wire keeper;

FIGURE 11 is a side view illustrating the two sections of the die bearing against the outer end of the broom of the wire rope so as to decrease the diameter of the outer end of the broom and after the broom has been pulled through the opening defined by the two sections of the die so as to comb the broom;

FIGURE 12 is an illustration of a socket juxtapositioned with respect to the two sections of the die so that the opening in the socket is adjacent to the opening defined by the two sections of the die andalso illustrates the initial movement of the compressed broom of the wire rope into the opening of the socket and also into the socket; and,

FIGURE 13 is a side view illustrating the broom of the wire rope inside the socket and with the two sections of the die bearingagainst the circumferential portion of the wire rope.

In the drawings apparatus for positioning the wire rope in the socket is referred to by reference numeral 20. This apparatus comprises a base plate 22 of a generally rectangular configuration. The base plate 22 is supported on depending legs 24. In the edge of the base plate 22 there is a recess or cutaway portion 26. On each side of the recess 26 there is positioned an upright support 28 and 30. The two upright supports 28 and 30 are substantially perpendicular to the base plate 22 and are spaced apart from each other. On the upper edge of the upright support 28 there is a U-channel member 32. The outer or free end of the U-channel member 32 is recessed at 34 in the base portion so as to leave the two legs of the U-channel member 32 tree and clear so as to overhang the edge of the upright support'28. Near the end of each leg of the U-channel member 32 there is a passageway 36. Two passageways 36 are aligned to receive a pin or a bolt. On the upper edge of the upright support there is a U-channel member 38. On the free end of the U-channcl member 38 and attached to each leg of this channel member there is welded a lug 40. In each lug 40 there is a passageway or a. hole for receiving a bolt 42. The bolt 42 passes through the passageways in the lugs 40 and also through a passageway in a bar 44. The bar 44 is free to rotate around the bolt 42. It is seen that near the free end of the bar 44 that there is a passageway 46 and also attached to the free end of the bar 44 there is handle 48.

The U-channel members 32 and 38 face each other so as to provide a guide means for a slot.

The other end of each of the U-channel members 32 and 38 are connected by a U-shaped member having a base 50 and two legs 52. Each of the legs 52 may be welded to the base of a respective U-channel member 32 or 38.

An important part of the apparatus is a die for reducing the size of the broom of the wire rope. In FIGURES 2, 3 and 4, as well as in FIGURE 1, there is illustrated a die 60. The die comprises a movable section 62 and a fixed section 64.

The movable section 62 comprises an upper plate 66 and a lower plate 68. Each of the plates 66 and 68 comprise outwardly directed legs 72. The main parts of the legs 70 and 72 are spaced apart from the corresponding parts in the other plate so as to define a recess or guide 74. Also, the plates 66 and 68 comprise a central or base portion 76. The central or base portion 76 is solid so that the upper plates 66 and 68 are connected and joined together in the base portion 76. The legs 70 and 72 are recessed in a generally V-configuration as indicated by reference numeral 78. At the central portion of the V-portion 78 there is a rounded or curved junction 80. The curved or rounded junction 80 is solid and complete and may be considered to be an anvil portion of the movable section 62. Near the edge of the base 76 there is a passageway 82.

The fixed section 64 comprises a main base having two spaced apart legs 92. The legs define an opening which lead to a V-shaped recess 94 in the base 90. At the junction of the V recess 94 there is a curved or arcuate shaped portion 96. Further, on the surface of the base 90 there is positioned a plate 98 which also has an arcuate or curved portion 96. The plate 98 may be welded to the base plate 90. The arcuate or curved portion 96 may be considered to be an anvil. In operation the legs 92 are positioned in the recess or groove 74 between the plates 66 and 68 of the movable sections 62. It is seen that the curved portion 80 and that the curved portion 96 define two concave recesses which face each other. Further, in use the two curved portions 80 and 96 define substantially a circular opening when the movable section 62 and the fixed section 64 are pushed tightly together.

The construction of the section 62 and 64 of the die 60 is important. Because of this construction of the die 60 it is possible for the apparatus 20 to accommodate wire rope of various sizes. For example, there are used a number of different dies 60 with each die having a different radius of curvature for the curved portion 80 and for the curved portion 96. This means that the dies can accommodate wire rope of different diameters. One die 60 may be designed to accommodate wire rope of one (1) inch in diameter; another die 60 may be designed to accommodate wire rope of one and one-half (l /z") inches in diameter; another die 60 may be designed to accommodate wire rope of two (2) inches in diameter; and, another die 60 may be designed to accommodate wire rope one-half /2") inch in diameter. The basic apparatus 20 can be used to position wire ropes of different diameters in different sockets by merely changing sections 62 and 64 of the die 60.

The fixed die 64 is positioned in the apparatus 20 as illustrated in FIGURE 5. It is seen that the movable die 62 can be positioned in the U-channels 32 and 38. Then, the fixed die 64 can also be positioned in the U- channels 32 and 38 with the legs 92 in the recess 74 of the movable die 62. The bar 44 is rotated so that the passageways 36 in the U-channel 32 are aligned with the passageways 46 in the bar 44. Then, a pin or bolt 100 is past through the passageway 36 and the passageway 46. This firmly positions the die 64 with respect to the U-channels 32 and 38 so that the movable die 62 cannot push the die 64 outof the U-channels 32 and 38. It is seen that the die 64 is free to move but will not be pushed out of the U-channel members.

On the base 50 there is an inwardly directed lug 102. A fluid actuated cylinder 104 is attached to the lug 102 by means of a pin or bolt 106. The fluid actuated cylinder 104 has a plunger 108. On the end of the plunger 108 there is a clevis 110. In the clevis 110 there are passageways 112. It is seen that the clevis 110 can be positioned over the base 76 of the movable section 62 with the passageways 112 aligned with the passageway 82. Then, a pin or bolt 114 can be passed through the passageways 112 and the passageway 82 so as to join the clevis to the movable section 62. By actuating the fluid actuated cylinder 104 it is possible to move the plunger 108 and the movable section 62 toward the fixed section 64 and also away from the fixed section 64.

There are connection hoses 116 and 118 connecting with the fluid actuated cylinder 104 and also with a control valve 120. A handle 122 connects with the con trol valve so as to control the movement of the plunger 108.

On the upper surface of the base plate 22 and near the recess 26 and also near the edge of the base plate there is positioned an upwardly directed lug 130. There is attached to the lug a fluid actuated cylinder 132. The fluid actated cylinder 132 may be attached by means of a pin 134 or a bolt or the like. The fluid actuated cylinder 132 has an upwardly directed plunger 134. On the plunger 134 there is an adapter or a clevis 136. The clevis 136 connects with a clamp 138 having a base portion 140. The clevis 136 may be connected with the clamp 138 by means of a bolt 142. The clamp 138 comprises a keeper 144. The keeper 144 is essentially a bar as is illustrated in FIGURE 1. On one surface of the bar there is a lug 146.

The fluid actuated cylinder 132 comprises connecting hoses or tubes 148 and'150. The hoses 148 and 150 connect with a control valve 152. The control valve 152 has an operating handle 154. The power for driving the fluid actuated cylinders 104 and 132 is derived from the motor and pump unit 156. The control valves 120 and 152 connect with the motor and pump unit 156 and in turn regulate the flow of fluid to the fluid actuated cylinders 104 and 132.

As previously stated this apparatus 20 is used to position a wire rope in a socket 160. In FIGURES 12 and 13 it is seen that the socket 160 has an opening 162 which leads to a cavity 164. It is seen in FIGURES 12 and 13 that the lateral cross-sectional area of the cavity 164 increases as the distance from the opening 162 increases. Or, to express this in another manner, the cavity 164 may be considered to be a funnel leading to the opening 162.

In use, wire rope 166 is treated so as to place a wire keeper 168 a few inches from the end 170. This keeper 168 functions to mark the end of the unravelling of the indivdual wires from each other in the wire rope. This step is illustrated in FIGURE 8.

In FIGURE 9 there is illustrated the wire rope after the individual wires have been separated from each other so as to make a broom 172 so as to increase the volume occupied by the wires of the wire rope. It is seen that the end 174 of the broom 172 has a much larger diameter for a much larger cross-sectional area than the end 170 of the wire rope before it is unravelled.

In FIGURE 10 it is seen that the wire rope has been clamped in the clamp 138 and that the sections 62 and 64 of the die 60 have been moved so as to tightly squeeze the broom 172 just above the wire keeper 168. This is to reduce the cross-sectional area of the broom.

In FIGURE 11 there is illustrated the next step of moving the broom 172 through the opening defined by the sections 62 and 64 of the die 60. This is accomplished by mooring the plunger 134 of the fluid actuated cylinder 132. By moving the broom 172 from its inward end to its outer end the broom is combed and also the outer end of the broom is reduced in diameter and in crosssectional area so as to present an outer end 176 of substantially the same diameter or cross-sectional area as the wire rope proper.

In FIGURE 12 there is illustrated the next step of positioning the wire rope in the socket 160. The socket 160 is placed above the opening defined by the two sections 62 and 64 of the die 60. The opening defined by the two sections 62 and 64 may be referred to by reference numeral 178. In other words, the opening 162 of the socket 160 is placed above the opening 178 defined by the two sections 62 and 64. The opening 162 of the socket 160 is slightly larger in diameter than the diameter of the end 176 of the broom 172. The plunger 134 of the fluid actuated cylinder 132 is elevated so that the end 176 and the broom 172 move through the opening 162 of the socket 160 and into the cavity 164.

In FIGURE 13 there is illustrated the broom, in an expanded state, in the cavity 164 of the socket 160. At this time the broom is so expanded and the stiffness of the wires is so great as to, probably, definitely position the socket 160 on the end of the wire rope 166. However, so as to insure the definite positioning of the socket 160 on the end of the wire rope 166 there is poured into the cavity 164 so as to surround the wires of the broom 172 a molten metal such as molten zinc. It is also possible to use molten lead although molten zinc is generally used. Further, in addition to the use of a molten metal it is possible to use a liquid resin such as an epoxy resin or other suitable resin. The resin upon curing bonds to the metal and also becomes solid and bonds to the individual wires of the wire rope. In any event, whether molten zinc or molten lead or a liquid resin is used, the individual wires of the wire rope in the broom 172 in the cavity 164 of the socket are rigidly positioned and are bonded to the metal of the socket 160 and also are maintained in an expanded state so that it is practically impossible to pull the wire rope out of the socket 160.

In FIGURES 12 and 13 it is seen that the socket 160 rests on the two sections 62 and 64 of the die 60 and that the upper surface of the section 62 is substantially flushed with the upper surface of the section 64. This is so because of the plate 98 on the supper surface of the section 64. In this way it is not necessary for a man to hold the socket 160 in position. The socket 160 can be placed on the substantially flushed upper surfaces of the sections 62 and 64 and then the broom of the wire rope moved into the socket 160.

By way of illustration of the size opening in the socket and the weight of the socket for various size wire ropes, there is presented the following. A socket for receiving Wire rope one-half /2) inch in diameter has an opening of approximately nine-sixteenths W inch and a weight of approximately 2.3 pounds. A socket for receiving a wire rope of one (1") inch in diameter has an opening of approximately one-and-one-eighth (1%) inches and a weight of approximately 15.5 pounds. A socket to receive a wire rope of one-and-one-half (l /2") inches in diameter has an opening of approximately one-and-five-eighths (1%) inches and a weight of approximately 46 pounds. A socket to receive a wire rope of two (2") inches in diameter has an opening of approximately two-and-five-sixteenths (2 7 inches in diameter and a weight of about pounds. A socket to receive a wire rope of tWo-and-three-eighths (2%") inches in diameter has an opening of approximately twoand-five-eighths (2%") inches in diameter and a weight of 165 pounds.

From this it is seen that with the larger sockets that these sockets are heavy enough to rest on the upper flushed surfaces of the sections 62 and 64 so as to readily receive the wire rope.

In FIGURE 5 there is illustrated the wire rope 166 and the apparatus 20 before the socket 160 is placed over the opening 178 defined by the sections 62 and 64. This view corresponds to FIGURE 11 with respect to the position of the broom with the Wire rope with respect to the sections 62 and 64 of the die 60'. It is seen that the wire rope 166 is securely positioned in the clamp 138. The keeper or bar 144 has been bolted or screwed to the base so as to firmly position the wire rope below the sections 62 and 64 of the die 60. Also, the movable section 62 has been moved by the fluid actuated cylinder 104 and the plunger 108 to tightly squeeze the broom of the wire rope against the anvil portion 96 of the section 64 and against the anvil portion 80 of the movable section 62. This insures the reduction of the diameter or the cross-sectional area of the broom of the wire rope to a smaller diameter than the diameter of the opening in the socket. Then, the plunger 134 of the fluid actuated cylinder 132 may be elevated, after the socket has been placed in position on the two sections 62 and 64, to move the broom into the cavity of the socket. In FIGURE 5 it is seen that the wire rope occupies or comes up through a portion of the recess 26 in the base plate 22. This is of a special advantage with the larger size wire ropes as these wire ropes are quite stiff and it is necessary to have as much working room as possible.

In FIGURE 6 it is seen that the keeper or bar 144 is so positioned with respect to the base 140 that the lug 146 is directed away from the base 140. In this instance the wire rope 166 is of sufficiently large diameter that the keeper 144 or lug 146 squeezes the wire rope firmly against the base 140.

In FIGURE 7 it is seen that the lug 146 of the keeper or bar 144 is directed toward the base 140 so as to squeeze the small wire rope firmly against'the base 140. In this instance the concave curved surface of the keeper 144 bears against the Wire rope 166 so as to force it against the clamp 138.

The fluid actuated cylinders 104 and 132 may be pneumatic cylinders or hydraulic cylinders.

From the foregoing it is seen that I have provided an apparatus for rapidly positioning a wire rope in a socket. In fact, it is possible with this apparatus to move a large wire rope such as a wire rope having a diameter of oneand-one-half 1 /2") inches or a diameter of two (2") inches into a corresponding socket in less than fifteen seconds. Actually, the wire rope of such diameter can be moved into the socket in two or three seconds with this apparatus. Previously, it would take two men for approximately fifteen minutes to thirty minutes to position such a large diameter wire rope in a socket by manually beating the wire rope into the socket. With my apparatus it is possible for one to select the appropriate sections 62 and 64 of the die, position these sections in the apparatus, and then position the wire rope in the clamp 138. After the wire rope has been positioned in the clamp 138 :and then combed then the socket can be placed on the two sections 62 and 64 and the wire rope forced into the socket. The saving and time is considerable. First, only one man is required to operate this apparatus as compared with two men using manual means. Further, one man can place the wire rope and the clamp 138, the movable section 62 and 64 of the die 60 in place and positiOn the wire rope in the socket in a short period of time as compared with the previous operation of two men taking a relatively long period of time to position a wire rope manually in a socket.

In order to compare the time required to manually position a wire rope in a socket in comparison with the time required to position the wire rope by my invention a test was run. The wire rope was made into a broom and then forced into a socket. To manually position a oneand-one-half (1 /2") inch wire rope in a socket, it took two men twenty-two minutes or forty-four man minutes while the time required for one man with the machine was four minutes or four man minutes. To manually position a two (2") inch wire rope in a socket it took two men twenty-four minutes or forty-eight man minutes while the time required for one man with the machine was five minutes or five man minutes. In other words, the time With the machine is about one-tenth the manual time.

Having presented my invention, what I claim is:

1. A method for joining a wire rope and a socket, said method comprising:

(a) making a broom out of one end of the wire rope;

(b) reducing a cross-sectional area of the inner end of said broom;

(c) combing said broom to reduce the cross-sectional area of the outer end of said broom; and

(d) forcing the broom while in said reduced crosssectional configuration into said socket.

2. A method according to claim 1 and comprising in the combing of said broom reducing the cross-sectional area from the inner end to the outer end of said broom 3. A method according to claim 1 and comprising reducing the cross-sectional area of the broom to a crosssectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the opening in the socket.

4. An apparatus for positioning a wire rope comprising a broom in a socket having an opening for receiving the wire rope, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a first means for reducing the cross-sectional area of the broom; and

(b) a second means for moving the broom in the reduced cross-sectional area configuration into the socket.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 and comprising:

(a) said first means being capable of reducing the cross-sectional area of the broom near the inner end of the broom; and

(b) said second means and said first means acting to move the first means and the broom with respect to each other so as to comb and reduce the crosssectional area of the broom from the inner end to the outer end of the broom.

6. An apparatus for positioning a wire rope comprising a broom in a socket having an opening for receiving the wire rope, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a die to compress the broom and to reduce the cross-sectional area of the broom;

(b) said die comprising a first section and a second section;

(c) said first section .and said second section being movable with respect to each other to compress the broom and to reduce the cross-sectional area of the broom; and

(d) a first means to move the broom and the Wire rope through the die.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6 and comprising:

( a) said first section being fixed;

(b) said second section being movable; and,

(c) a second means to move the second section with respect to the first section.

'8. An apparatus according to claim 7 and comprising:

(a) a guide means for the first section and for the second section;

(b) said second section having an upper plate and a lower plate;

(c) said upper plate and said lower plate being spaced apart to define a groove;

(d) said second section having a concave recess facing said first section;

(e) said second section having a first anvil part in the concave recess;

(f) said first section having two spaced legs to fit in said groove in the section section; and,

(g) said first section having a concave recess facing said second section.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8 and comprising:

(a) said first section having a second anvil part;

(b) a third connecting means removably positioning the first section with respect to the guide means; (c) a fourth connecting means removably connecting the second section to the second means to move the second section; and

(d) said third and fourth connecting means allowing different dies to be used in said apparatus to accommodate wire ropes of various sizes.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9 and comprising:

(a) the surface of the second section and the first sec tion being substantially flush to receive and to position a socket over the opening defined by the concave recesses of the first and the second sections; and,

(b) said first means to move the broom through the die and the second means to move the second section with respect to the first section being fluid actuated cylinders.

11. An apparatus according to claim 7 and comprising:

(a) said first means to move the broom being a fluid actuated cylinder; and,

(b) said second means to move the second section with respect to the first section being a fluid actuated cylinder.

12. An apparatus according to claim 9 and comprising:

(a) said third connecting means comprising a movable bar to restrict the movement of the first section.v

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,389,951 11/1945 Brickman -413 CHARLES W. LANHAM, Primary Examiner L. A. LARSON, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 29452 

